Details:

Civil War Union soldier's autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated March 15, 1863, written by Amos Hockensmith of Company H, 158th Pennsylvania Drafted Militia, to his wife Martha in Fulton County, Pennsylvania.

Four pages handwritten on a single folded sheet of patriotic stationery featuring an illustrated portrait of Union General George B. McClellan surrounded by American flags, a patriotic shield, and an eagle.

Written during the Confederate attack on Fort Anderson near New Bern, North Carolina, the letter provides a firsthand account of the military activity surrounding the engagement, including cannon fire, Confederate advances, the capture of Union prisoners, and the strength of the Union defenses.

Hockensmith writes, in part:

"Yesterday the cannons was a firing all a round us the rebels they are a going to try to take this place from the union troops."

He further reports that Confederate forces had captured approximately 400 Union soldiers, reflecting information circulating among the troops at the time, and expresses confidence in their defensive position:

"This place is too well fortified for them ever to take."

Hockensmith also describes the hardships of military service, including an exhausting march of approximately 100 miles in five days, soreness in his feet, and the intense North Carolina heat. Throughout the letter, he expresses his longing to return home to his wife and children.

Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed to Mrs. Martha Hockensmith in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, bearing a March 22, 1863, postal cancellation and three-cent postage stamp. Also included is a previous collector's handwritten transcription of the letter.

An excellent piece of original Civil War correspondence written during an active Confederate offensive, combining firsthand military observations with the personal experiences of a Union soldier separated from his family.

The four-page letter is written on a single folded sheet measuring approximately 5 x 8 inches when folded. Very good condition with original mailing folds, scattered age toning, and handling wear. The original envelope exhibits additional toning and edge wear, with a small area of paper loss along the right edge.

The Battle of Fort Anderson, fought March 14–15, 1863, near New Bern, North Carolina, was part of a Confederate offensive commanded by Major General D. H. Hill. Confederate forces under Brigadier General James J. Pettigrew attacked the Union fortifications along the Neuse River but ultimately withdrew after encountering resistance supported by Union gunboats.

The 158th Pennsylvania Infantry, a nine-month regiment organized in November 1862, served in the Department of North Carolina during this period. The regiment participated in operations around New Bern and later returned north during the summer of 1863.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11706 1419463-1